JasDmw

I have a set of beige PB mats, new, unused still in the original factory bag. Am using weathertechs and have the ones that came installed in my'09 for everyday use should I ever want to use them. If anyone is interested, let me know. I believe reading in the manual somewhere that there are no replacements available; that's why 2 sets were shipped with each vehicle.

No, 17" is the "stock" size and works fine. 18" is the upgraded rim size and winter tires in that size are more $. Narrower tires typically work better in winter anyway. The idea is to improve stopping; starting with AWD is easy, but there is that issue with physics and red lights (LOL).

Your dealer is partially right; there is the possibility that the TPM sensors MAY not fit the wheels you are looking at. Just be sure you buy a good quality set that meet all the factory dimensions and you wil be fine. I purchased a set of replica wheels and the sensors fit fine. I was concerned after doing a dry fit but the folks at the Tire Rack (Brandon) really came through for me. They have a TPMS guru there and we exchanged photos with the result being all is well. My concern was the fit of the sensors as they seem to float in air inside the wheel/tire with no support other than the valve stem itself. This is in fact OK and the way they sit in the factory wheels too (as confirmed by the shop foreman at my dealer). Make sure your wheels have a good size lip allowing the sensor to be back from the edge of the bead where the tire mounts.

We have a set of Xice on my daily commuter (Focus) and will be getting same for the RX. My '09 PB has 18" wheels, but I have procured a set of 17" replicas for the winter and will buy 225-65-17 (stock size) for them. Those stock Michelins were OK last year on our '08 RX, but I did slide through an intersection and scared the c**p out of myself, so this year it's winter tires for sure. Price of tires and rims is a lot less than damage from one minor accident, well worth the price in my view.

Question for Canadian owners for which the answer is probably obvious: Do Canadian models have everything in metric? Kilometers, speed and litres per 100 km mileage calculations, etc.? It sure would be nice to toggle that (non-nav) information panel back and forth. (We live in Texas but spend a few months per year in Canada so the need is there.) Yes, it's all metric.

I had the dealer throw these in for me on mine. It's a bit of a trademark for me: every car has/had them. A little disappointed they were not std equipment. I quite like them, although they aren't painted. They do keep the stuff off the car, to a degree. Haven't done a winter yet, which is where they really make a difference. But it's like any accessory; either you like them or you don't. For me, I like them. DIY is easy, but it's easier if they do it for you

Sounds like an excellent fix! Could you post a picture or 2 to better describe what you did?

Hidden Hitch makes a nice looking one; I intend on getting one shortly. Regarding the remote starter; be careful. I have a neighbour who has a Sienna. When he purchased it, he was told adding that to his van would void the warranty. Too many electrical issues could develop and they would no longer cover the van. Check with your dealer first before getting this installed.

I don't think that salesperson knows whats up!!! In fall the 09 will be shown in tokyo car show and spring of 09 it will be available here. I spoke with a guy who works in the Cambridge facility on the weekend. He is in the Toyota side (Corolla/Matrix). However, he told me the first teams of producton staff are off to Japan within weeks for initial training on assembling the new generation RX. He has seen pictures and there are differences, but he was not able to elaborate further. Production will commence this fall.